Conventions of Horror Film Openings

• Music- Creates a certain mood e.g. Tension, fear, excitement etc.

• Introduction to characters- Protagonist, Antagonist etc.

• Introduction to Plot- Shows item or character of significance e.g. villain killing victim, haunted mansion etc.

• Narrative to opening- Perspective of scene e.g. voice over, P.O.V shot etc. 

• Hook- Cliff hanger, or mysterious element that makes the audience want to keep watching.

• Credits- Film Production Company logos, actors credits, production team credits.

• Introduction to location- dark setting with significance to the plot/premise

• Narrative Motif- An object or theme used several times, with significance to the plot/premise.

• Foreboding title- normal one word, dark connotations of violence, death, revenge etc.

• Diegetic and Non Diegetic sounds- Sounds that are natural e.g. footsteps, scream etc. and sound that is unnatural to the situation e.g. music.

• Dialogue between characters